Liver recipient, smith, and his teammates from the Leaping Livers at the Rabalais Run for Life.

Recipient Stories

The gift of organ and tissue donation truly saves and enhances lives. It doesn't just happen on TV or in national news. It happens right here in our communities throughout our state. We encourage you to meet some of Louisiana's recipients - those who’s lives have been forever changed because their hero said YES to organ and tissue donation.

To find a specific story, use the search box at the top of the page or click here for mobile search.

I cannot say thank you enough to Bobby Champagne's parents. The fact that he was not even a donor and the parents made the ultimate decision to give life to the next persons. I am absolutely honored to have his kidney and I take full pride and joy in taking good care of this miracle. It has now been 11 years and I am still doing well.

To the gentleman who gave his life so that I could live mine--I will always be eternally grateful. He thought enough to donate his organs so that many would be able to sustain a healthy and loving life with their families.

I signed up to be an organ donor when I first got my license, not realizing that I would one day be the one in need of a transplant; because of my diabetes, I could not donate blood or join the military. When I learned some of my organs could possibly help another, I felt like I could finally do something to help another life if needed.

Jack took his first trip back to Nepal post transplant, and this time, he took the Donate Life flag, using it to spread donor awareness and share his story of hope with not only our state, but the world!

Organ donation offers life to more than just the organ recipients. My family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, church family, and many more have been touched by the gift of life through my new heart. We are grateful that my donor, my hero, said yes to the gift of life.

As I ponder my childhood dream of a fairy tale life, while my life has not played out the way I had imagined in the days of my youth, it has been an incredible journey that has led me to a much deeper appreciation for the gift of life, a gift for which I am eternally grateful.

In their darkest hour, her family reached deep down and decided to celebrate life. There are no words worthy enough to that says thank you. What a wonderful gift to me. I will always be forever grateful.

I thank God and pray for my donor and his family at least twice a day. Because of his family's unselfish decision to donate his organs, I am alive today. My donor is my hero. He is the wind beneath my wings!

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency

The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) is an independent, not-for-profit organ and tissue recovery agency. LOPA's Core Purpose is Making Life Happen. We save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation.

Follow us on Instagram @donatelifela

lopa.org/podcast or your favorite podcast app!
On episode 76, we meet Christopher Babin, who selflessly chose to become a living kidney donor. Chris shares his story with us about giving the gift of life and why he’s running to tell others about organ, eye and tissue donation. Then, Randy Falgoust is honored during our hero segment. You will also find out how to reach out, just like Chris, to tell us your story or ask a question. The Gifted Life Podcast is your source for inspiring and informative stories about organ, eye & tissue donation and transplantation. #podcast #livingdonation #DonateLife

It's National Donor Day! If you are a registered organ, eye and tissue donor, talk about the gift of life and encourage others to sign up! www.donatelifela.org or www.registerme.org #donatelife #nationaldonorday

#CutiePatootieALERT! ❤️💙💜💛💚 Liver Recipient Briggs E is modeling the latest in #MardiGras fashion float trends 💜💚💛 - at least as far as we are concerned, right?! 🙌🏻! Too cute for words! We love when you make us a part of your every day lives!!! ❤️ #DonateLife #DonateLifeLA

#Inspiration❤️
#SpanishTown💜💚💛
#InHonorOfAHERO❤️
My name is Doug Cossman. In early 2011, I was going along with not a care in the world. On a routine visit to the doctor, it was discovered that I had elevated levels of creatinine. This indicated a kidney problem. After a few tests, it was determined that I had Polycystic Kidney Disease. By June of 2011, I was on dialysis. The only thing that could end dialysis was a kidney transplant. I was put on the transplant list and the wait began.
In October of 2013, I received news that a good friend of mine, Shelby Holmes, had been shot. I would soon receive the news that Shelby had passed away. Everyone that knew Shelby - and he knew everyone -wanted to help. We decided to set up a fund to help his mother and the rest of Shelby's family. My wife Pam met with Shelby's Mom to set up an account that we could all donate to. In the conversation between Pam and Miss Dorothy - Shelby's Mom - it came up that I was on dialysis and awaiting a transplant. Miss Dorthy told Pam that after finding out that Shelby donated each month to St. Jude Children's Hospital, the family had decided to donate Shelby's organs. She went back to the hospital and gave LOPA my name. Friday Morning, I was notified that testing was going on and to be ready to go to New Orleans. At 9:00 Friday night, we were told to come to Oschner's. The final testing was done and Shelby and I matched on all points.
Today, I live a normal healthy life. I will forever be indebted to my friend Shelby Holmes and his family. He is the real HERO of this story. Shelby and all the other organ donors are the real HEROES in life. Please, if you are not already, consider becoming an organ donor. You will change lives in ways you can't imagine.’ - Recipient Doug Cossman
PHOTO: Doug Cossman (center stage) attending a Spanish Town function in Baton Rouge - an event his HERO Shelby loved. Doug & all attendees honored Shelby (on screen in LSU jersey) at this event. ❤️

lopa.org/podcast or your favorite podcast app!
On episode 75 of The Gifted Life Podcast, our team takes you to the 2018 Rose Parade in California to experience the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. Check out what goes on behind the scenes and hear some of the experiences from the families of the honorees. Learn why American Idol alum, Scott MacIntyre, and former NFL Coach Sam Wyche were involved in this year’s celebration. You can learn more about the individual stories of the 44 organ, eye and tissue donors honored on this year’s float, “The Gift of Time,” at donatelifefloat.org @scottdmacintyre #podcast #donatelife #roseparade #nfl